When Hades woke up, he realised he couldn't move. He put his chin down to see his chest. Stephanie was holding him tightly in her sleep. He watched her moving as if she was dreaming.He starting stroking her hair, and face. It felt so soft, and warm. His body began to feel hot, he wanted her so badly. His hand made it's way onto her waist. He gripped her nightgown tightly in his hand.
"Calm down... Just calm down.." He whispered to himself.
He used his had to gently lower her body on the bed. Slowly he began to cover her, observing every detail. Her breathing changed a bit, and he thought she might wake up. What would he do if she woke up to see him like this? He had to stop, but it was as if his body was continuing without permission. The instinct too great. A hand placed on her stomach moved down to the hem of her nightgown, starting to lift it up. The whole time he was sweating, telling himself to stop.
"Master, it's time to get up!" Mara knocked on the door.
He looked down to find Stephanies eyes opening slowly. He quickly moved to the side and sat straight up. Stephanie couldn't help notice the nervous look on his face, but she was still so drowsy, she could barely fight her eyelids to stay open.
"Hades?" She said with her eyes half closed.
"Yes Stephanie?"
"I think I need to sleep a bit more."
"Master!" Mara knocked harder now.
"Yes Mara, I will be down in a moment." He yelled back.
"I will get the table ready." Mara said walking off.
He stared at Stephanie, who seemed to have gone back to sleep. Mara would never allow her to sleep late. Stephanie sleeping late, would mean Mara would fall behind on chores, and she was a punctual person who couldn't stand being late.
"I guess it can't be helped.." He whispered as he put one arm under her knees, another under her neck, and lifted her up.
Stephanie woke up, and looked at him. He was looking ahead, so she closed her eyes before he could see she was awake. She heard water, and opened her eyes again. There was a wooden tub overflowing with water.
"Ah you are awake." He said lowering her down to stand.
"Mara won't like it if we are late, best we wash up, and head downstairs."
Wash up, together? Stephanie felt an excited shiver go up her spine at the thought. He placed his hands on her dress, when she felt the pressure on her skin, it would make her feel ticklish, and start to twitch.
"Here, let me help you." He lifted her dress up, staring into her back.
He tied her hair up, moving strands of hair slowly away from her face, then he took a warm cloth, and soap and began washing her back.He rinsed her back, then handed her the cloth.
"Here, you do the rest." He began undressing and washed himself.
They both stepped into the tub. She lifted her knees up to her chest, and looked down. Hades looked at her, his heart beat faster, and his body felt like he was on fire. Looking at her skin glowing in the dark, made her seem more beautiful than he ever thought a human could be. A beauty deeper than skin, that radiated from within the soul. He had so much to tell her, but fear stopped him.
Instead he put his hand under her chin lifting her to meet his eyes.
"Stay with me.."
Stephanie turned her head away. She couldn't stay with him, vanishing from her friends, and families lives. She had to go back.
He let out a sigh, and got out of the bath, drying himself, then offering her a towel, which he placed over her shoulders as she stood up. He helped her dry her hair, and then brought some dresses, and shoes out.
"Here choose whichever one you like. Mara helped me pick these out for you... Do you like them?"
"Yes they are beautiful, I think I will go for this one." She chose a white summer dress with brown sandals.
When they both finished dressing, Hades took a stunning bracelet with a crystal that glowed brightly, and placed it on her wrist.His hand moved from her wrist to her palm, standing up, and looking at her with a slightly broken smile.
"Let's go eat."
This time Mara prepared some oats porridge with fruits, seeds, milk, and honey. Stephanie could never get use to the amazing food here. The deliciousness surprised her everytime.
She finished her breakfast. Hades looked at her with a sad face.
"I have things to attend to, you should head home now." He walked her to a spot where they could be alone.
"I will miss you." He said as a portal opened up behind them
"I'll be back soon." She said hugging him before walking away.
As she was about to enter the portal she felt his hand on her arm.She turned around, looking into his eyes. He put his hand under her chin, kissing her.